Imagine being able to wrap yourself in decorative, historical art? Well, you can! For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved sourcing rare and out-of-print textiles that were simply too beautiful to risk falling into unappreciative hands.
These pieces of precious textile history are often hard to come by, but their popularity is starting to boom. While heritage brand textile houses aren’t printing these fabrics anymore due to time and cost, I’ve decided to use my sourcing skills to allow you to access these antique, lustrous textiles.
Each and every heritage textile is listed alongside the yardage available - with our minimum order being one yard. And remember, these textiles are full of stories and rich history, which means there can sometimes be slight imperfections due to age and the nature of hand printing. But every imperfection is a feature that adds character, timelessness and
individuality to your special fabric.
Rare heritage textiles that wrap you up in a beautiful slice of history
But wait - what are heritage textiles?
There is a difference between vintage and antique fabrics - and it’s not just the age that determines the value of the piece!
An antique textile is more than 100 years old - and is considered to be a heritage, or document, print. A vintage fabric is less than 100 years old, but some of these iconic designs made by famous designers or houses are even more highly sought after than some antique textiles!
Both antique and vintage textiles will have gone out of production due to time, cost and demand - which is why getting your hands on them is so special.
An antique textile is more than 100 years old - and is considered to be a heritage, or document, print. A vintage fabric is less than 100 years old, but some of these iconic designs made by famous designers or houses are even more highly sought after than some antique textiles!
Both antique and vintage textiles will have gone out of production due to time, cost and demand - which is why getting your hands on them is so special.
Why are heritage textiles so important for design?
Most of us don’t want a cold, bland space to share our most precious memories in. When you’re designing your home, office or other space, you want to add or transform the character of the room.
Textiles are one of the easiest yet most effective ways to overhaul character. Color, texture, pattern, opacity or sheerness - the variations, feelings and time periods that textiles can evoke are endless.
Yes, you could work with a modern textile. But that dash of authentic print and weave can wrap your room up like a beautiful antique picture frame - and we promise you’ll walk into your space not only seeing, but feeling the difference.
Textiles are one of the easiest yet most effective ways to overhaul character. Color, texture, pattern, opacity or sheerness - the variations, feelings and time periods that textiles can evoke are endless.
Yes, you could work with a modern textile. But that dash of authentic print and weave can wrap your room up like a beautiful antique picture frame - and we promise you’ll walk into your space not only seeing, but feeling the difference.
How can I use heritage textiles?
If you’re just dipping your toes into historically inspired decor, it’s best to start small. Just a yard or two of fabric could create two statement pillows or a stunning tablecloth. That way, you get to experiment with the kind of styles, fabrics and time periods you enjoy, without spending a lot of money.
And here’s the thing - the more you move into historical decor, the more your taste will change, evolve and refine. So starting small lets you enjoy experimenting until you find your core, signature taste in interior design.
And here’s the thing - the more you move into historical decor, the more your taste will change, evolve and refine. So starting small lets you enjoy experimenting until you find your core, signature taste in interior design.
I’m excited! How do I start?
Great! The best way to start is to look to your space for inspiration. Look for clues as to what might work best in your location (town or country) or the scale of the space (flat or farmhouse) and its core architecture (historical or new build).
Considering a property’s location allows you to honour the heritage and traditions of an area and can really elevate your space - as Elsie de Wolfe said, “My business is to preach to you the beauty of suitability.”
But you don’t have to stay true to a new-build, modern flat for example - but you could use its sharp lines and angularity to point you towards a certain historical period that might marry well.
And sometimes you’ll just be bowled over by a fabric and will find a way to make it work no matter what! Our best-selling Little Acord print is a prime example - when I discovered that this was an original print and fabric that Tasha Tudor wore and used for her own dresses, I just couldn’t resist. And I even went on to create my very first Christmas candle, inspired by her world and antique lusterware.
More about the Tasha Tudor print:
The acorn print is a prime example of a mid-19th century, small-scale print. The oak leaves and acorns resembling seaweed patterns was a popular Victorian style - which makes sense as Tasha Tudor loved all things Victorian after living in an area of the US influenced by German and Dutch immigrants.
Our heritage textiles are designed to capture your imagination, foster creativity and infuse the magic of the past into your space. Why not shop the heritage textile collection today, and see which print speaks to you?